Vir Chakra (VrC)
Awardee: Bhim Bahadur Dewan VrC
Citation
Havildar Bhim Bahadur Dewan was the leading section commander under Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, which was tasked to capture "Khalubar South" on 3 July 1999. After a long and tiring climb of seven hours the column reached the objective and came under fire from all surrounding heights including from area bunkers. Lieutenant Pandey was tasked to clear the enemy position, which comprised a total of 6 bunkers. Havildar Bhim Bahadur Dewan's section was asked to assault the right two bunkers. Havildar Bhim Bahadur Dewan assaulted the first bunker by firing and lobbing grenades and killed two enemy personnel inside and thereafter moved on to the second bunker. He then led the assault onto the second bunker and after a firefight lasting over an hour he finally captured the bunker killing two enemy personnel.
Havildar Bhim Bahadur Dewan was injured while clearing the second bunker but without caring for his grievous injury continued to exhort and inspire his section to clear the bunker. He finally succumbed to his injuries in the battlefield. During this operation the enemy suffered eleven dead and also left behind a large number of weapons and ammunition including two heavy machine guns, one12.7 inch machine guns, three G3 Rifles, large quantity of ammunition, radio equipment and documents.
Havildar Bhim Bahadur Dewan displayed courage and gallantry of the highest order in the true traditions of the Indian Army,

